Summary

Storage heaters use electricity to heat internal elements, similar to an electric kettle. The elements warm up heavy blocks inside the heater during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. The heat is then stored and released during the following day. The off-peak period, known as the Economy 7 tariff, typically spans 7 hours overnight, usually from midnight to 7:00 AM. These hours are set by your electricity provider and cannot be changed by the user. During this time, electricity costs are approximately one-third of the standard rate. Some tariffs may also offer an additional cheap period in the afternoon, providing a “boost” to heaters. This is more common in Scotland. To maximise efficiency, review your specific tariff to understand when cheap rates apply.